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FDA Fails to Ban BPA from Food Packaging


            After extensive research, the US Food and Drug Administration has declined to ban the use of bisphenol A, commonly known as BPA, in food packaging, despite scientific evidence of its ill effects highlighted by the Natural Resources Defense Council's 2008 petition. However, the FDA denounced the study citing that it "was not sufficient to persuade" partly because it did not specify how people would ingest the chemical and the sample sizes were not sufficient. The FDA did announce its intentions to continue to research the health effects caused by BPA (Boxall). .
             "The FDA has carefully reviewed your citizen petition and has determined that it failed to provide sufficient data and information to persuade the FDA to initiate rulemaking," said the agency's letter in response to the petition. "The FDA is denying your citizen petition in its entirety" (The Huffington Post). .
             "This is not a final safety determination on BPA," said Douglas Karas, the FDA spokesman. "There is a commitment to doing a thorough evaluation of the risk of BPA" (Boxall). .
             BPA is commonly used to manufacture polycarbonate plastic for shatter-resistant food containers, sports safety equipment, eyewear, and other products. It is also used in epoxy resin as a protective coating for food and beverage packaging. Furthermore, it s found on many sales receipts, which researchers are worried could be a quick way for people to ingest BPA after they touch the receipt and then themselves or their food (Boxall). .
             Currently, little is known about BPA other than that it mimics estrogen in the body and metabolizes quickly. In studies performed on mice, negative effects have occurred, including developmental and reproductive abnormalities, and precancerous changes in the prostate and breasts, among other problems. Additionally, some studies show a correlation between BPA levels in people and higher risk of ailments including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and liver problems (Boxall).


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